§ 6. Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the projected savings from the passing of the Jobseekers Bill; and if he will make a statement. [20122]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security (Mr. Roger Evans)The direct benefit 7 savings are projected to be around £270 million in a full year. However, that figure takes no account of success in getting people back to work earlier.
§ Mr. SpringDoes my hon. Friend agree that, apart from the financial considerations, there is also a moral aspect? Does not the taxpayer need to be protected from those who are not genuinely seeking work, and is that not precisely what the Bill will achieve?
§ Mr. EvansYes. The provisions for a jobseeker's agreement and direction are focused on that specific problem.